Aug. 18, 2019

All smiles to start the school year. 
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The week ahead...

The first full week of the school year is here. We have 0-7 schedule on Mon., Tue., and Wed. Thursday is an odd block and 8:50a start. Friday is even block schedule with an 8:05a start so we can host our LOUD Welcome Week Rally.

Sun. Aug. 18
Frosh Family Social - 11:30a

Mon. Aug. 19
0-7   8:05a start
Handbook Agreements due

Tue. Aug. 20
0-7   8:05a start
Fall Sports Parent Meeting   6:00p   Garaventa Center
PowerPuff Applications due

Wed. Aug. 21
0-7   8:05a start
Out of State College Fair   6:30-8:30p   Garaventa Center 

Thu. Aug. 22
1/3/5/7   8:50a start
Fac./Staff Mtg 8:00a

Fri. Aug. 23
2/4/6/R  8:05a start

Sat. Aug. 24
Welcome Dances!

If you haven't yet, bookmark this page ----> CarondeletHS.org/Calendar
Each week in the newsletter, we'll highlight a department on-campus, sharing what they're up to and how they're making a difference with your child and our school.
Know Your Department: Math
 
Our individually paced math program (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry - all with an Honors mastery based component) has built upon our successes from last year. The math team has worked hard to embed new features that will help the girls build on the math and life skills they have began developing last year. Updates to the program include:
  • Increased staffing
  • Continued open access to the Math PowerHour after school on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
  • More direct instruction in a separate room with small groups as well as direct instruction as part of the topic rotation students will follow so that more teacher led instruction is provided (schedule posted weekly on Schoology)
  • Pacing guides will be in place and reviewed consistently with the lead teacher to ensure the student is achieving her goals.
  • Schoology lockdown to avoid bypassing Topic Guide sequence partnered with requirement of proof of completion of steps before topic tests administered
  • More regular mandatory check-ins with lead teacher
  • Quarterly progress reports emailed to families
The department is excited to continue to provide our students with more pathways to higher levels of mathematics as well as deepening the girls' understanding of mathematics to prepare them for success in college and beyond. 


Last year more than 15% of our students completed two years of math in one year (Algebra and Geometry).  
Additionally, we modified our Algebra Challenge Exam to allow students to prove mastery on topics. This enabled incoming students to begin further into the Algebra curriculum. Many freshmen were already halfway through the curriculum before starting classes this week.  
We also opened up summer school to students wishing to work ahead and over 50 freshmen took advantage, allowing them to be closer to starting Algebra 2 in their freshman year. 

Introductions
Our math department hired 4 new team members this year.  We are excited for their experience and enthusiasm that they bring to our department. 

Samantha Lawson is returning after joining us in January of this past year to add an additional teacher to help create more available help for students. Samantha chose to teach at Carondelet because we have the same teaching philosophies that she is excited about using in my classroom and she is excited for the innovative ways we are teaching.

Mike Stewart joins us as our AP Statistics teacher who has a remarkable AP pass rate at his previous school. He is a believer in progress and embracing whatever you do, to strive to be better every day than you were the last. 

Sara Anderson was a part of the summer school program helping with both Algebra 1 and Geometry. She is looking forward to working with a great team here at Carondelet who are passionate about student learning.

Sarah Gilbert is passionate about women in STEM and any steps she can take to encourage and help young girls find a place in the world that values their curiosity over their gender. 
Handbook Agreement forms due Monday

Families and students are expected to read and review the Student Handbook. Students and families must sign the  Agreement Form and turn it in to their 5th period teacher on Monday, August 19. 
PowerPuff applications and shirts

Applications and shirt orders are live for  PowerPuff  2019!

Juniors and Seniors who are interested in playing must return a completed application no later than 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20. Applications are available from Ms. Lettire and were posted on Schoology last week.

Please write your grade in the top right corner and place it in the correct class bin in my office. All practices are mandatory. 

T-Shirt order forms are open now (Seniors and Juniors).  Shirt orders close on Friday, August 30. 
Welcome Dances

Welcome Dances will be on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. 

Freshmen will be in the Garaventa Center. Purchase your tickets for $10 before Saturday.
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors will have their dance at De La Salle. More information will be posted to Schoology. 

Questions? Contact Ms. Maggie Lettire ( mlettire@carondeleths.org).
Frosh Parent feedback on website - Thursday

Later in the fall Carondelet's website will be redesigned. This Thursday, Aug. 22 from 2:30-3:15p, the web design firm will be on-campus to hear from freshman parents about the admissions process and the website's role in it. It will be helpful to hear what on the website made your journey to Carondelet easy or difficult. If you would like to attend to share your perspective, please reply to Bryan Navarro, Director of Digital Media (bnavarro@carondeleths.org).

If you cannot attend and would like to give notes you're invited to fill out this brief, 3-minute survey about the website.
Early College Credit

Over the past few years, 402 Carondelet students have earned college credit for free through the Early College Credit program. In partnership with the College of the Siskiyous, Carondelet students can take online courses that count for college and high school credit at no cost. This remarkable program saves families money in the years ahead and prepares students by enhancing their college application and instilling soft skills like time management. Read full article.

Enrollment for the fall courses closes on August 26. Please see Mr. Cushing for details. Enrollment will open again in January and May.
College Fair and Information Night this Wednesday

Join us on Wednesday, August 21 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Garaventa. 

Students and parents from all grade levels are encouraged to attend.   Learn about the scholarships that make out-of-state colleges great values, hear about the unique programs that set these institutions apart, and meet the admissions officers who may be reviewing your application one day. 

More than 10 colleges will be present, including: 
  • The University of Oregon
  • Texas Christian University
  • University of Nevada Reno 
  • and more
College & Career updates

Senior College Workshop
Aug 28 - Morning X Block - 8:00 a.m.  
or  Aug 29 - Afternoon X Block - 2:30 p.m.
Seniors must attend this workshop on either Wednesday, August 28 during morning X block or Thursday, August 29 during the afternoon X block. We will cover important information about letters of recommendation, transcripts, and college lists. Attendance is mandatory and will be tracked.


Save the Dates
Our annual College & Career evening programs are filled with informative tips to help you and your student navigate the road to college. These educational events are not to be missed!

Freshmen -  Wednesday, September 11 | 7:00 p.m. 

Sophomores -  Wednesday, January 29 | 7:00 p.m.

Juniors -  Wednesday, January 22 | 6:30 p.m.

Did you know our calendar is online?  We update it regularly with college events happening throughout the Bay Area like the upcoming Coast to Coast College Tour on Sunday, September 8Bookmark our calendar at the bottom of the page  and stay in the know.
Yearbook family ads for seniors

Senior families,
We are sorry that we have had to delay opening the Yearbook ad portal. We'll get it up and running this week. We'll send an update on Schoology when it's open and in next week's newsletter. 
You can find information on ad sizes and costs. Any questions can be directed to  yearbook@carondeleths.org.
Service Opportunities

Throughout the year many organizations in our community provide service opportunities for our students. You will always be able to find a link in our e-newsletter to a list of current opportunities which will be constantly updating. 

Did you do service over the summer? If you did, we would love to hear about it. You can log your service hours and tell your service story through our new online platform, Mobileserve. Find out how to create an account

If you have questions about finding a service opportunity, logging your service hours or want to chat about social justice issue you're passionate about, visit Ms. Terry in Campus Ministry!  ( nterry@carondeleths.org  or 925-686-5353 x141)
Student travel opportunities

Yosemite - April 2 - 5
Spend 4 days and 3 nights in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. Embrace the outdoor wonders with hiking, biking, rafting, and learning about the Yosemite Valley.

STEM in the Alps - April 2 - 10
As the world becomes more connected, it is important to increase our global perspective and cultural awareness so we reflect a greater worldview to our students. The "Discovering  STEM  in Switzerland and Germany" takes students to alpine peaks, subterranean salt mines, and to the plus-energy town of Vauban.

France - Dates TBD
Student can embark on an exhilarating journey of culture, language and history through Northern France, visiting opulent castles, enchanting Parisian neighborhoods, and more.


Parent Volunteer Opportunities

Parent Involvement Program (PIP) opportunities are available for families to sign-up on the Parent Volunteer page

Keep in mind that before parents can sign up for a volunteer position, they must first clear all requirements. Details are listed on the page above.

Positions available
- Visions of Christmas 
Some positions are posted now. Others will be added over the next few weeks.
Mills Uniform Summer Store 

Mills Uniform Summer S tore
open now
Tue.-Thu. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

5741 Christie Ave., Suite 11
Emeryville, CA
510.679.1752
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As a reminder, this will ONLY add you to our E-Newsletter distribution list; it will not update any of your information in PowerSchool. For PowerSchool updates, please contact Ms. Katie Almonte, Data Analyst.
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